Social Navigation

Shaheen Continues To Impress – Today’s Connection with Glennon Could Be a Sign of Things To Come

The selections of quarterback Mitch Trubisky and tight end Adam Shaheen might arguably be the two most important picks Ryan Pace makes while running the Chicago Bears.

After all, the importance of getting it right at quarterback can’t be understated. And, at the same time, a quarterback is only as good as his targets. Hence, the importance of Shaheen’s development not only as a dual-threat tight end, but also as a playmaker in the passing game, too.

Considering the question marks at tight end – what with Zach Miller’s health and Dion Sims’ much needed continued development – as well as the uncertainty at wide receiver, Shaheen’s path to playing time seems clear: he could stand out as a red zone target for an offense that settled for one too many field goals in 2016.

“The play of the day went to rookie tight end Adam Shaheen, who made a one-handed catch on a pass from Glennon in goal-line drills. Safety Quintin Demps was in fine coverage, but he had no chance against the former basketball player, who reached up and grabbed the pass for the score.”

Poor Quintin Demps (5’11”, 216 lbs) … he never had much of a shot against the big-bodied Shaheen (6’6″, 270 lbs) in that specific situation.

Then again, there aren’t too many defensive backs who will be able to match up with Shaheen on those types of plays anyway. Still, hearing that Demps was “fine in coverage” feels like something we might not have heard with a younger, inexperienced safety.

In the end, this kind of play is what makes Shaheen a unicorn of sorts. And the fact that the pass came from the Bears’ projected starter makes it all that much nicer.

Glennon has a career 2.4 percent interception rate, which is respectable in a vacuum. However, that number gets trimmed dramatically when he is throwing in the red zone. Glennon has thrown 73 career passes in the red zone – 26 have gone for touchdowns, while only one was intercepted. That’s a 1.4 INT% for those of you keeping track at home.

Glennon’s red zone accuracy (46.6% completion rate) could use some major work, but perhaps having a target like Shaheen to throw to in that area will help boost those numbers closer to respectability. And at 6’6″, 229 lbs, Glennon should be able to look downfield and spot Shaheen to make these types of plays.

Soon enough, the Bears will be playing preseason games and Shaheen will be going up against opposing defenses for the first time as a professional. Here’s hoping we see continued progression from training camp to the field of play that actually matters.

Useful Links

Post Categories

Post Categories

Post Archives

Post Archives

Search TYL

Search for:

Disclaimer

In addition to news, The Ten-Yard Line publishes both rumor and opinion, as well as information reported by other sources. Information on The Ten-Yard Line may contain errors or inaccuracies, though we try to avoid them. Links to content and the quotation of material from other news sources are not the responsibility of The Ten-Yard Line. Photos used are the property of The Ten-Yard Line, are used under license with Getty Images, are used with permission, are fair use, or are believed to be in the public domain. Legitimate requests to remove copyrighted photos not in the public domain will be honored promptly. Comments by third parties are neither sponsored or endorsed by The Ten-Yard Line.

The Ten-Yard Line Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. The Ten-Yard Line is a private media site, and it is not affiliated in any way with the National Football League or the Chicago Bears. Neither the NFL nor the Chicago Bears have endorsed, supported, directed, or participated in the creation of the content at this site, or in the creation of the site itself. It's just a media site that happens to cover the NFL and the Chicago Bears.

The Ten-Yard Line is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.